NEW YORK – One day, Tab Ramos hopes to become head coach of an MLS team.
Despite three current vacancies across the league – Colorado Rapids, FC Cincinnati and New England Revolution – that day is not today.
“At some point, yes I would like to," Ramos said at a media roundtable on Friday. "But this is not the time. I’m really happy to be going to the World Cup right now.”
The US national team legend and former MLS star has been on the coaching side of soccer essentially since he retired. He founded a youth club in 2004, New Jersey Soccer Academy 04, then took over the US U-20 national team in the cycle ending with the 2013 U-20 World Cup. Ramos, 52, is preparing for his fourth U-20 World Cup this month.
Ramos has been a rumored candidate for various previous coaching vacancies in the league, most recently FC Dallas after they parted ways with Oscar Pareja in November.
“I’m really happy that I feel like I’ve made a difference," Ramos said. "If I had to leave US Soccer tomorrow, I’m happy that I’ve made a difference on the field as a player and now as a coach.”
Ramos received 81 caps for the senior national team and made 112 appearances for the MetroStars between 1996-2002.
He may not have to wait too long for another opportunity to pop up in MLS. In 2017, the league set a new record for most coaching changes with five. That record was shattered in 2018, with nine clubs changing managers. With three open jobs within the first 10 weeks of the 2019 season, Ramos could get some phone calls in the coming months if he isn't already.
First, he's completely focused on the U-20 World Cup. Having guided his side to the quarterfinals of the last two tournaments, Ramos is looking for more in Poland this May and June.
"I want to win everything that I compete in," Ramos said. "That's why we go. We compete to win everything."
